That’s the message from the Road Safety Authority today, as Met Éireann predicts more bad weather.

THERE WILL BE no let up in the bad weather tonight, and the Road Safety Authority (RSA) wants to ensure that everyone keeps their eye on road safety.

Local authorities in the areas affected by the floods over the past few days are working on repairs and on ensuring that flood protection measures are in place.

Minister Brian Hayes has admitted that the figure of €10 million that was set aside for immediate humanitarian relief isn’t enough to address the problem. Councils have been encouraged to contact the government today regarding additional funds for repairing flood damage.

According to Met Éireann, it will be very wet and very windy this evening, with heavy rain and strong to gale-force southeast winds. There will be severe gusts of rain and further flooding likely, especially in exposed coastal areas of the south and southeast.

Tonight, it will also be extremely windy, with more rain or thundery showers and again more risk of flooding.

That’s all thanks to another Atlantic storm depression, which is approaching the country today.

Expect some mist or fog in some areas too.

Road safety

Pic: Mark Stedman/Photocall Ireland

The Road Safety Authority has said that road use may prove “challenging” over the next couple of days, and it is advising all road users to take extra care.

The RSA has some advice for people who might be driving over the next day or so:

It takes longer to stop a vehicle on wet roads so slow down and allow extra distance between you and the vehicle in front, four seconds at a minimum

Take special care when driving behind trucks or buses as they generate a considerable amount of spray which reduces visibility

Watch out for vulnerable road users such as pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists.

Use dipped headlights at all times of poor visibility – not parking/side lights and fog lights.

Clare County Council has reiterated its appeal to people in flood prone locations to remain vigilant during the coming days.

Its council engineers are monitoring water levels on the River Fergus and Lower River Shannon. They say the risk of flooding will increase as a result of rainfall this evening and further rainfall up to and including the weekend.

The council and emergency services are progressing contingency arrangements, including additional pumping capacity and other flood alleviation measures at flood-prone areas along the River Shannon and River Fergus.

The council is also assessing the scale of the damage in the county, and says it is focusing on cleanup and remedial works on damaged infrastructure.

Last month, it sent a report to the Government saying that the cost of repairs will run to €23.7m, but it is now revising this figure upwards.

Limerick

Limerick saw its highest tidal surge in recent years over the last few days, but no new flooding has been reported in the city or county over the past 24 hours.

The Council, An Garda Síochána and the HSE are still on a state of alert and will be for the rest of the week and weekend.

Flooding affected approximately 200 acres of Limerick City at the weekend – around 300 houses and up to 2000 people were impacted by the high waters.

The council says it is continuing to liaise with residents and business owners affected by flooding.

Limerick City and County Council is in talks with the OPW and Central Government regarding the requirement for additional flood defences to be provided at vulnerable locations.

High tide

The predicted tide levels for the next two days at Limerick docks are:

Tuesday, 4 February: 6.6m at 9.54pm

Wednesday, 5 February: 6.6m at 10.14am and 6.3pm at 10.40pm

Council engineers are also monitoring water levels on the Lower River Shannon and on the Mulkear, Maigue and Deel Rivers.

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